Things You Need To Know About Almond Milk

Many people looking for an alternative to cow’s milk have jumped on the almond milk bandwagon. It has been on the rise and deserves a spot on a shelf in your fridge. Almond milk contains about 50% less calories than regular milk, but packs a healthy calcium punch. All of this sounds great, and it is, but there are a few things you need to know before you decide to board the almond milk train.

Eating raw almonds is not the same as drinking almond milk. Almond milk does, however, bring nutritional benefits to the table. We’re talking about getting healthy doses of zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and selenium! There’s no cholesterol, saturated fat, and it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which actually lower cholesterol levels. If you are buying almond milk from the store, it’s imperative to read the labels in order to reap the proper benefits.

One disclaimer: if you have a tree nut allergy, you should avoid almond milk and all other nut milks. When you buy almond milk, you have to take note of the ingredient list. Commercial almond milk brands commonly add thickeners to the milk, the most common being carrageenan. This polysaccharide, which is obtained from red algae, can negatively affect the digestive system by causing gas, bloating, diarrhea, or even fatigue. Two other thickeners, which are used in almond milk, are guar gum and soy lecithin. Although they are safe to consume, they can cause slight discomfort in those who have sensitive digestive systems.

The other big thing you have to notice is whether or not the almond milk is sweetened. We all know that sugar is not healthy and can corrupt the path to a healthier lifestyle. Certain almond milk manufacturers will add cane juice or high fructose corn syrup, and other brands will use toxins like aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame. Anything that is hard to pronounce is usually beneficial to avoid.

Most commercial brands of almond milk have a minimal amount of almonds, or a lot less than you think the cartons should have. Some research suggests that almonds only make up 2% of an almond milk carton.Doesn’t it seem strange that one serving of almond milk only has 30 calories when one serving of almonds has 160 calories? This is because of the high water content. Most almond milk is primarily water, contains fortified vitamins and minerals, and additional additives.

If you are weary of being led astray or don’t trust the ingredient lists on almond milk cartons, you can easily make your own almond milk. Make sure that when you make your own, however, that you buy truly raw almonds. This is actually a lot more difficult than you think. Most almonds, which are labeled “raw,” in the US have been either dry-roasted, blanched, steamed, or have been treated with Propylene Oxide (a highly flammable chemical compound). Almonds from Peru, for instance, can be truly raw without any sort of flash-pasteurization. It’s hard to find raw almonds, but it is possible if you search for small vendors that sell almonds in small quantities. Look for a waiver from the pasteurization requirement. This way you know exactly what you’re consuming and you can better absorb the benefits of almonds. Making almond milk can be a lengthy process, but waiting for a healthier product is better than polluting your body with artificial ingredients. If you don’t have the time to make your own almond milk, be sure to buy organic, avoid brands that have carrageenan, additives, or sweeteners, and look for those with minimal sodium content (under 5%).

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Related Questions

Q: I purchased the children's detox and received it a couple of days ago. After reading the pamphlet that came with it, I was wondering where/what kind of milk can I purchase for my baby while she is on the detox? For example it said almond, soy, rice milk... can I buy the regular boxed almond, soy, rice milk? Or if I am going to use coconut milk, can I use the canned coconut milk?

A:

Yes, you can use almond, coconut, or any other nut milk. We do not reccomend soy.

Q: Hey I was thinking about making some homemade almond milk and one ingredient that's called for is natural vanilla. Is natural vanilla ok to use while on the full body cleanse? Thanks

A: Yes, you can use natural vanilla just be sure that it does not contain any alcohol. Be sure to only use water and the purified almonds for the milk. Below is a recipes to help. http://dherbs.com/recipes/110/84/Raw-Almond-Milk.html

Unfortunately you cannot use either milk for a smoothie as you are not allowed to consume any dairy. Soy is not a natural food and most store brought almond milk is pasteurized and contains preservatives that helps maintain shelf life. You can consume almond milk if it's homemade. We do have a raw homemade almond milk recipe available on our website.

A: Unfortunately you cannot consume almond milk while on the cleanse unless it's homemade. Most almond milks contain additives that help sustain shelf life. Below is a recipe to homemade almond milk. http://dherbs.com/recipes/110/84/Raw-Almond-Milk.html

Q: I see also that you recommend a complete diet with these programs. I am guessing its a vegan diet right? I wanted to ask something on that is coconut milk and coconut oils ok for that? I personally had a very hard time trying to eat that many vegetables and many ph balance vegans seem to think fruits aren?t good either. I eat that many vegetables one it tears me up the next day and two I just cant consume enough calories that way. I can try and make up for it by eating things like almonds but I eat to many almonds I get the same problem the next day. Now coconut milk (unsweetened) and a digestive enzyme works for me for picking up extra calories.... but I hear very conflicting information about coconut and its saturated fat content. Is it ok to use daily as a part of the diet for cleansing? And your oxy-drops are those the same as the drop for ph balancing water?? Or is it something different? I am wanting to start lifting weights as I need to put on some muscle and I?m wondering if its something that would be beneficial in combating muscle soreness by increased oxygen in the body.

A:

The diet we recommend is vegan-based, and RAW FOODS. Fresh fruits, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds are ideal.

Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil are excellent products to have in your diet. The healthy fats will keep you fuller.

Oxy-Drops can help balance your electrolytes that need to be replenished after a workout in order to keep your body performing efficiently.

Q: Is it okay to use store bought almond milk (Almond Breeze) for smoothies during the Full Body Cleanse or ANTI-VIRAL CLEANSE AND REGIMEN?

A:

Unfortunately, store brought almond milk is not allowed within the raw food diet. The only way of knowing that the milk is raw, natural, not pasteurized and does not contain any preservatives is if it's homemade. We do have a raw homemade almond milk recipe available on our website. You must avoid all dairy while on both cleanses.

A: No, you cannot consume the almond milk or traditional hummus on the cleanse. You want to avoid store brought beverages, as they contain preservatives and additives that help sustain its shelf life. Hummus is a processed food, but you can consume it if it's prepared raw. Below is a raw food hummus recipe. You can create another type of dip for the vegetables as well such as tomato herb dressing. This dip/salad dressing consists of blending together tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt and any herbs/spices of your choice that does not contain salt. http://dherbs.com/recipes/72/84/Raw-Hummus.html

Q: Members of my house have started drinking Hemp Milk and Rice Milk. No more Cow Milk! We like the taste of both. I also like the fact that the hemp milk has omega and other nutrients in it. However, my son is three years old and we have discovered he is allergic to nuts because a family member gave him a cashew to eat, then his eyes began to swell up like Garfield the cat. I had him tested for food allergies and the test revealed he is allergic to nuts and soy. So I don't give him any nut products or soy products. My question for you is: "Is hemp a nut or a seed, is the hemp milk derived from a nut or a seed???" I need to know other alternatives if in fact it is a nut. I do not want to give him something toxic to him.

Q: I am trying to wean my 11 month old son from breast milk to rice milk. I was told that rice milk did not have sufficient amounts of vitamins. What do suggest that I supplement with the rice milk. He is not tolerant of soy.

Q: Greetings, My son just turned one and his day care provider is trying to convince me that he needs whole milk because of the fat in the milk promotes for healthy brain development. I have seen your article on â€ALTERNATIVE INFANT FORMULA MILKâ€; do you suggest something for toddlers

A:

I suggest any of the alternative milks I wrote about in the article (â€ALTERNATIVE INFANT FORMULA
MILKâ€) as they are better for babies, toddlers, children, etc. Cow milk is a toxin and poison to the human body.

Q: I was looking at your recipies for infant milk. I am breastfeeding but need to wean. I was interested in giving him rice milk (Rice Dream enriched with vit a, c,and other vitamins). However, the website says not for use as infant formula. Why would this not be a good substitute? What would this be lacking? Why is your recipie a complete formula for proper infant nutrition? Please Help a concerned new mom!

A:

Rice Dream is fortified with SYNTHETIC nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and therefore it's not a good source of organic nutrition. If you use Rice Dream, please fortify it with organic nutrition
like Dherbs.com Moringa Seed Extract and Iodine Phosphate Extract (add 5 dropperfuls of each formula to infant milk).

Q: I was looking at your recipes for infant milk. I am breast feeding but need to wean. I was interested in giving him rice milk (Rice Dream enriched with vitamin a, c, and other vitamins). However, the website says not for use as infant formula. Why would this not be a good substitute? What would this be lacking? Why is your recipe a complete formula for proper infant nutrition? Please Help a concerned new mom!

A:

Rice Dream is fortified with SYNTHETIC nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and therefore it's not a good source of organic nutrition. If you use Rice Dream, please fortify it with organic nutrition
like Dherbs.com Moringa Seed Extract, and Iodine Phosphate Extract (add 5 dropperfuls of each formula to infant milk).

Q: I'm doing the ANTI-VIRAL CLEANSE AND REGIMENand I would like to know if I can used organic almond milk with oat bran cereal from bob's red mill and order organic cereal. Also what is the 35% HYDROGEN PEROXCIDE used for?

A:

You have free will and can do as you like, Beloved. We recommend all raw (and unprocessed) so if you really want to eat the almond milk and cereal, it's your choice! 35% FGHP should only be used
for enema purposes (half ounce added to the water).

Q: I am an underweight but healthy 26 year old female. I would like to maintain my weight and I use organic canned coconut milk in my grain hot cereal. Is canned organic coconut milk acidic? If so, what brands are alkaline?

A:

Anything canned is going to be acidic. What ever you use for make, let it be raw. Raw coconut milk fresh from the coconut is alkaline.

Q: You said to get the FULL BODY DETOX and milk thistle seed tea for someone with hepatitis C, but on your site I don't see the milk thistle seed tea listed under hepatitis C, one more thing would you take the same for hep. C as you would for hep. A or B, I am just trying to be sure before I get this started.

A:

FOLLOW THE ADVICE IN THE ARTICLE AS WELL. PERFORM THE FULL BODY DETOX FIRST AND THEN CONTINUE WITH THE MAINTENANCE FORMULAS
(LIVER AND GALLBLADDER FORMULA, VITAMIN C
FORMULA, ETC.). HOWEVER, THE MILK THISTLE TEA IS GREAT FOR ALL LIVER CONDITIONS AND HEPATITIS FALLS IN THIS CATEGORY. IT DOESNâ€™T MATTER IF THE HEPATITIS IS A, B, OR C. IT'S A
PROBLEM WITH THE LIVER AND SO THE LIVER NEEDS TO BE CLEANSED AND DETOXIFIED.

Q: Hello I am currently on the full body detox and I have a question for you. How do you feel about organic chicken from a credited organic food store? I was wondering if eating organic steamed chicken was ok and whats your take on almond milk.

A:

Thanks for the question.

Animal products are not part of the detox program. The detox protocol is a raw food detox as well. Most if not all food should be consumed raw. Organic meat is a double edged sword. On one hand you have an animal pumped full of anti biotics and on the other hand you have an animal refused antibiotics if they are sick. Which they routinely are being that they are crammed in sheds. The amount of land required by the USDA to be considered free range is the size of a sheet of printer paper. Birds kept in such close quarters communicate diseases fast. I do not recommend any animal products when on a detox.

The main issue with detoxing is lessening the workload of the livers and kidneys so they can clean house. Animal protien is acidic to the body and forces the body to work overtime digesting the excess protein.

Almond milk is fine if you make it yourself. Its really not that hard to do if you have a good blender. If you can't blend it yourself you can buy it from the store but remember that it's pasteurized and probably has added sugars which you want to avoid.

Q: I just ordered the FULL BODY DETOX and I know there's a dietary regimen that I will have to follow. I was wondering if you would approve of a protein shake that consist of (raw hemp protein powder, raw almond butter, sea salt, flax seed, 100% young coconut water & meat inside the coconut, raw carob powder,) (optional soy or rice milk or soy or rice cream)

A:

Doesn't sound like it will mess up your FULL BODY DETOX. Go for it! But leave out the rice/soy cream! The rice milk is okay (but
it is processed/cooked)!